Grand Canyon to the Pacific

An early start this morning as we were to be picked up (in a stretch limousine) for our trip to the Grand Canyon.

Driving out onto the Strip, all was quiet at that time of day.

At 8am we were ready to fly.  David and I feared that we would be tucked into the back of the helicopter as ballast but in fact we had the front seats and an amazing view.

We flew over Lake Mead, created by the building of the Hoover Dam at the confluence of the Virgin and Colorado rivers.  The Boulder Bridge is in front of the dam.

Flying into the sun it was difficult to get good pictures but in half an hour or so we were flying over the edge of the Grand Canyon with the Colorado River far below.

The sides of the Canyon, apart from being massively high, are fascinating for the different colours and formations of rocks.

The highlight of the trip was when the helicopter touched down in the Canyon.  This gave us the possibility of great views all around and a chance to see up close the desert plants that grow there.

The view along the Canyon, carved out by the river, is amazing.

We took the obligatory selfie and managed to completely obscure the view!

Another passenger took a shot for us.

There were side vallies in the Canyon which are equally beautiful.

We kept being drawn back to the same views..

Posing with the helicopter!

After our champagne breakfast it was time to set off again.

A final look back at the river..

Then up and over the edge, back to the plateau.

A different view of Lake Mead on the way back.

And finally a close up aerial view of the Luxor and other hotels in Las Vegas.

This evening we flew to Los Angeles where David has a conference for a couple of days at a resort at Palos Verde outside the city.  They say that there is a great view of the Pacific but it was dark when we arrived....